This is a rather good test, in a rather tough environment (Iowa), of whether or not Trump's very different campaign paradigm (for lack of a better word off the top of my head) actually works in the end result. Many here, myself included, have applauded him taking the reigns and driving the conversation and driving the interest - seemingly overwhelming all the other candidates in the process. That itself is a far cry from the mundane, sleepy campaigns - should I say lame? - that Republicans have run literally for decades (with the one notable exception of Newt in 1994). Instead of forcing people to vote against Democrats, he has at least attempted to take the initiative entirely, literally boxing everyone else out, with bravado. But to say it is different isn't to say it will actually work in the end. This is an excellent test of that - if he loses momentum in Iowa then he (and we) knows he needs to back off on the gas pedal, that there are limits to his method and that he can over-reach (unlike what he said earlier this week about 5th avenue). If he wins Iowa after this, and his margin holds, then that tells something very interesting as well, especially as this is a weaker state for him. I've maintained that his appeal is not just the result of the last two presidents turning off older people, but that this method is "generational" as well - using tactics and communication techniques that work for the 21st century techno-audience. This is a damned good test of that.
Get the popcorn!
